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Inside USD: Alumni Research Matches Bagley's Desire

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Inside USD - Michael Bagley may only be 19 years old, but the sophomore biochemistry major, in many respects, is already showing signs of being one of “them.”

“Michael’s got the scientific curiosity, the instinct, the perseverance,” says Tammy Dwyer, USD Chemistry professor and Bagley’s preceptor and academic advisor. “He understands that not every lab experiment you run will work. He sees the bigger picture, which is your role in moving the science along. He’s gotten the message early. He doesn’t expect everything to work the first time, but he does know you can optimize your chances for success when you’re careful, patient and prepared.”

Dwyer, a professor at USD since 1994, has taught and mentored many chemistry and biochemistry standouts. Bagley, however, has accomplished something no previous alum in this academic department had the chance to do. Bagley is the inaugural recipient of the USD Chemistry and Biochemistry Department Alumni Summer Research Scholarship. The award, a $4,000 stipend, covers the winner’s summer research lab work and helps with summer on-campus housing up to $1,000. It was created through generous and dedicated alumni support, including those who attended the department’s first-ever alumni reunion last summer. (Full Story)